Oscars: '12 Years a Slave' takes top award; 'Gravity' wins seven

"12 Years a Slave" wins best picture as the Oscars just wrapped up in Hollywood. It was a victory for movies tonight with a split between top movie and director. That is something that has now happened two years in a row.

Cate Blanchett won for best actress in "Blue Jasmine" while Matthew McConaughey won for best actor in "Dallas Buyers Club."

Ellen Degeneres as host of the Oscars started out the show in fine form with jokes that didn't burn those in attendance too much. Perhaps one that did zing was the one aimed toward Liza Minnelli.

She noted that the best impersonator of Liza was in the audience and then said, "Thank you sir." Liza and siblings were attendance for the tribute to "The Wizard of Oz."

The first standing ovation of the evening went to Darlene Love as he sang her part of the acceptance speech for documentary, "20 Feet From Stardom." The second went to Bono and U2.

Jared Leto won the first award of the night as he took and swept award season with his supporting actor win. In the supporting actress category, Lupita Nyong'o snapped Jennifer Lawrence's dream of going back-to-back. Nyong'o won for her role in "12 Years a Slave." With that announcement came another standing ovation, the third of the evening.

One more standing ovation went to Pink for her version of "Over The Rainbow." At this point, it was surprising that ordering pizza for the audience didn't get one. Bette Midler and her emotional "Wind Beneath My Wings" garnered a partial standing ovation. The fifth of the night went to Idina Menzel for "Let It Go."

The show was a throwback to the show's of the past, with host Ellen DeGeneres not throwing out the snark and sarcasm and put it back into the place where it should be.

The award show the others want to be. The show that brings pride to the industry. It wasn't one where the host takes over and slams all in its wake. It promoted the industry while having fun along the way and respecting those who bring the movies to life.

With the win by Alfonso Cauron in the best director category for "Gravity," it solidifies its place as the night's top winner with seven, even though it didn't win the big prize. Steve McQueen's "12 Years a Slave" kept its front-runner status and was awarded the top prize. A win all around for the show and the movies.

The night was that much of a surprise as the tech awards went the way of "Gravity" which will made it the big winner, numbers wise, of the night.

The In Memoriam of late has garnered problems with people it leaves out but there is only so much time. But, Roger Ebert, film critic did make it as did Ramis, who just recently passed away. During the cinematography award, presenter Bill Murray inserted his own tribute to Harold Ramis. A good, light touch which did not take anything away from the award.

In one of the heated categories and a throwback to the old days, the songs up for Oscar came back into the discussion. "Let It Go" beat out the other front-runner, "Ordinary Love," by U2. All performances were well received. A few more ovations were accorded as well, so the audience got their exercise.

EARLIER: Here is a reminder of the Oscar nominations. The winners will be updated live as the awards happen right here on Digital Journal.